Chapter 6 Let him court you

It felt like I woke up from a deep slumber and immediately opened my eyes, pushing Marcus away. But the way he looked, damn, he was so relaxed as if he didn't panic when he heard my brother's voice. I glanced at the kitchen entrance to see if Leroy saw us, and I breathed a sigh of relief when he wasn't there. I was still safe. I shifted my gaze to Marcus. He was staring at me as if reading my face. Honestly, I was still catching my breath, and my heart was still pounding from what happened.

He's my first kiss! I wanted to slap myself for being carried away, for being drawn in, in short, I liked it!

He put his hands in his pockets while keeping his eyes on me. What the? He took a deep breath. For a moment, it was like I saw a different Marcus. There was something off about his aura, different from his appearance. Something seemed wrong. "Claudia..." he whispered.

As soon as I heard his deep voice, I straightened up, "M-Martin is outside! Go!" I avoided looking at him and hurriedly went to the living room. My heart was still pounding. Why did I do that? Am I losing it? Where's my common sense?

Marcus is not an option! He can't be!

Unconsciously, I reached our living room. I only raised my head when I heard someone calling me.

"Good evening, Claudia."

I looked at Martin, who was now standing. He smiled sweetly, holding... flowers? I furrowed my brows and returned my gaze to his face. I smiled faintly. I didn't want to assume. It hurts. "Martin, did you just pass by? Sit down," I approached another chair, and as I got closer, Martin handed me the bouquet of flowers.

"F-For you, Claudia..."

I was stunned. I looked at the displayed flowers. I looked at him again, and he seemed shy. He scratched his neck. "F-For me? W-Why? What's going on?" I chuckled lightly to ease the tension. Why does it feel like so many things are happening today?

Maybe it's just a gift.

Red roses as a gift? Why not Dunkin' Donuts?

"Thanks for this," I said. I saw Grandma and Leroy sitting quietly. The TV was on, so I wasn't sure if they were watching or also listening to us.

I sat down, and Martin followed suit.

I glanced at the kitchen entrance. Marcus still hadn't come out. Maybe he's finishing what I interrupted earlier... damn! Stop, just stop! I closed my eyes and shook my head to erase what happened earlier. But... I could still feel his warm lips.

"Claudia..."

Surprised, I looked at Martin. "Oh?" I smiled at him.

He cleared his throat and seemed like he wanted to say something but was hesitant. "Um, I wanted to tell you something..."

I nodded and looked at the kitchen without turning my head, "What is it?" My heart skipped a beat again when I saw Marcus coming out of the kitchen. His eyes immediately met mine as he walked towards us, his face serious. I gulped.

"I want to court you."

I immediately looked at Martin. I could clearly see his gaze on me. "W-What?" I turned slightly to my Grandma, and she also looked at us. But before I could look back at Martin, I automatically turned to Marcus. I scrutinized him for his reaction. It's not that I'm interested or worried, okay.

He leaned against the wall, his muscular arms crossed over his chest, and... his face was dark? I was sure he heard what Martin said. But when I looked into Marcus's eyes, he wasn't looking at me; his gaze was fixed on Martin!

"C-Claudia, I know you were surprised by what I said. Maybe it's too fast, or you might think I'm rushing things... But I want you to know that... I'm serious... about you," Martin said gently and earnestly. I felt nervous, not because of what Martin said but because of the situation I was in. It felt crowded! I couldn't breathe, and it seemed like tension was building up, and I was the only one feeling it.

I looked back at Martin, who spoke with pleading eyes. "Are you sure? M-Me? You're going to court me?"

He bit his lower lip and smiled. I admit Martin had a certain charm. He was tall, had a good physique, and was well-off. This seemed like the dream guy, right? I wasn't in a rush, but here he was, within my reach! However, my darn heart, I can't understand it! It doesn't align with what my brain is saying! Am I confused or just unwilling? My heart refuses to leap with joy. Is there a problem?

"Why not you? Besides, we can't choose who we'll like; it just happens naturally," he explained.

I slightly parted my lips at his words. He had a point. But still...

"Brother Marcus! Can you help me with my homework? I'm having a hard time," Leroy diverted my attention. I hadn't realized he was already standing and approaching Marcus. Leroy scratched his head.

"Sure, let's do your homework. Your sister looks busy," Marcus said with a deep and seemingly meaningful tone. I looked at him, and he gave me a sharp gaze. I raised an eyebrow. What's his problem?

They went into Leroy and my room. Grandma stood up, holding her hand fan, "I'll leave you two for a while. I'll get you something to drink."

Martin quickly stood up and assisted my Grandma. "Oh, thank you, son," she said before letting go and returning to her seat.

I sighed. We were the only ones left.

What should I say?

"Claudia..."

"Okay."

He paused. "Wh-What?"

Whatever. He's just courting. "I agree."

"You mean, I can court you now?"

I nodded slowly. It's just a chance.

"Yes!" He seemed overjoyed. His expression was like he could jump for joy. I smiled.

Who knows, maybe he's the answer to my prayers.

Unconsciously, I glanced at the closed door of Leroy and my room. My smile melted, and I felt like standing up and entering. But I stayed in the living room for my guest.

I escorted Martin outside. While we talked, he kept smiling. Occasionally, he threw in some jokes that earned him laughs from Grandma. But sometimes, I glanced at the room door. Waiting. Of course, maybe Leroy got thirsty. But even after Martin left, no one came out of the room.

After closing the gate, I took the roses Martin gave me. Beautiful and seemingly expensive. This might be the first time someone gave me such a beautiful flower. A bouquet, no less. Marcus would give me single flowers one at a time. When Grandma entered her room, I went to the kitchen to find something to put the flowers in. My eyes caught an empty plastic coke bottle. This will do. I grabbed a knife and cut the bottleneck to make the opening larger. I filled it with water and arranged the flowers. Until I was satisfied with how I fixed and styled the flowers. I placed it in the center of our dining table. I smiled at the outcome of my efforts. Grandma would be pleased. I almost giggled.

"You're really putting in effort, huh, tss!"

A suppressed laugh escaped me, and I jerked in surprise when I heard that suddenly deep voice. "Marcus!" I clutched my chest and stared at him.

He leaned again, but this time against the kitchen counter. His arms crossed over his chest. His face? Serious and dark. It seems like he's been watching me for a while now.

One word could describe him at the moment. Intimidating. My heart rate suddenly increased due to his mysterious gaze. Why does he look like that?

He tilted his head, as if amused by me or my reaction. "Do you really have to put it there? For what? To see it all the time? Tss, it will wither anyway. Just because it's a bouquet, does it make it special? While the single rose I gave you, you just hide."

I was slightly flustered but managed to glare at him. "Leroy?" Instead of engaging with him, I redirected my feelings. I began to tidy up my things. I don't know why, but I feel nervous. I had my back to him but I felt strongly that he was getting closer to me. So I glanced at him. I knew it. He's slowly walking towards me. My heart pounded even more. The intimacy we had earlier suddenly came back. s**t!

I focused on what I was doing, even though my hands were a bit shaky.

"He' putting away his things. He'll be sleeping soon; he has an early shift tomorrow." he stopped in front of the table and looked at the flowers. "And you?"

I threw the excess into the bottle and placed the scissors on top of the refrigerator. I was surprised by his question. "I-I'll be sleeping too! So you, go home, I'll lock the door." I composed myself and steadied my voice.

He heaved a deep sigh. "Did you agree?" I could feel the annoyance in his voice, though it was faint.

"Agree to what?"

"To let him court you?"

I pursed my lips. "Yes."

He grinned. But the grin seemed disappointed. "Tss, you didn't even think about it. Yes right away."

I raised an eyebrow at his statement. "He asked for my permission and my grandmother's. Who am I to deny him a chance? He's a decent person and respectful, so I agreed."

He looked at me, and his expression was serious. What's with him? I was nervous about his look. "You just met him recently, and he's already courting you! Instant courtship. While I..."

I swallowed, feeling irritated. I ran my fingers through my hair. "Okay, I get it now. Thanks for your concern, but I think Martin is trustworthy. I've only given him a chance; I haven't even answered him yet. Call it 'getting to know each other.' That's where I'll find out if there's a chance I'll like him too-" I stopped in surprise as he suddenly slammed the chair on the table. It was made of wood, and it made enough noise. "Marcus! What's your problem? Grandma might hear you!"

But I was surprised when a hint of anxiety touched my chest. He gave me a sharp look. Melting. It made my knees tremble. He stared at me, and it's like I couldn't take my eyes off him.

I felt like I was hypnotized.

My breathing stopped, and my world revolved around that gaze. The only thing that mattered was his killer look at me.

A few more seconds, and he was the first to speak. That's when I woke up from my thoughts, "I'm leaving. Lock the door." He turned away from me. I exhaled deeply.

I looked at the direction he took and held my pounding chest. "What was that all about?" I asked myself.